What I Eat : Berries For Brunch

One of the benefits of "Growing Your Own" is that you have real abundance of seasonal fruits once your plants have become established (usually takes two years). An established, healthy plant yields so much fruit that you have to plan how to use/store the surplus.

I planted five raspberry plants three years ago, these have spread, occupying about three times the original growing space, grown bushy and each year have produced more and more berries to pick.

Each morning I start my day with a juice (sometimes a smoothie) quite early, so by about 10.30am I am ready to indulge in some freshly picked berries. I have been harvesting a bowl like this everyday throughout May, June and July. Sometimes do not even put them in a bowl, instead eating them directly from the plant whilst I potter around in the garden basking in Vitamin D, just the way humans are meant to eat plants.

Image above: I have even frozen some of the surplus that I could not consume. Ready for smoothies in the next few weeks. I do this by washing the berries with filtered water, then gently drying with kitchen paper and finally separating into small containers suitable for a single use before placing into the freezer.

I choose to grow raspberries because:
1. They are one of my favourite fruits and I like to eat them everyday if possible
2. They are nutrient rich
3. Eating straight after picking means I am consuming living foods (living enzymes)
4. It is difficult to find organic raspberries that look fresh in stores (UK)
5. Store bought raspberries perish quickly
6. Once planted raspberry bushes require very little maintenance
7. Raspberries are an "heirloom" fruit, they are a close resemblance to the original wild raspberry

8. Growing my own is a very cheap was to consume organic raspberries every day.

9. I can pick the berries when they are ready to eat and not over ripe.

Organic raspberries, each fruit ripens at a different time making it easy to harvest each day.

Information on UK Raw Health is the opinion of the writer and/or other individuals mentioned. Information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or provide education. Statements have not been evaluated or approved by any regulatory bodies. Before making any changes to diet, regime and/or lifestyle consult your doctor.

What I Eat : All Fruit Mango Smoothie

There's nothing more refreshing and nourishing to the soul than to start the day with a mango smoothie. The smooth texture and comforting taste of a mango is more agreeable to my system that a citrus first thing. The mellow taste is just right when the sun is peeping up over the trees and you have that new morning glow on everything around.

I wanted the smoothie to taste of mango, so I only used one banana for extra bulk and nutrients and the rest of the puree came from one very large fibre-less mango. With a bit of fresh almond milk added to thin.

I cut up the pieces of fruit quite small before placing in a food processor. This is because I do not wish to blend for too long to avoid mixing in too much oxygen into the fruit. I used organic fruit, it is reasonably priced in the UK right now as usual in the summer time.

I sipped my smoothie out in the garden early in the morning walking barefoot on the grass (earthing).

Smoothies are one the easiest ways to enjoy fruit in the morning because they are so quick to make. If you need to thin down the mixture, do not add water, instead add fruit juice, coconut water or nut milk. This smoothie is all natural, dairy free and vegan.

Information on UK Raw Health is the opinion of the writer and/or other individuals mentioned. Information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or provide education. Statements have not been evaluated or approved by any regulatory bodies. Before making any changes to diet, regime and/or lifestyle consult your doctor.

Natural Foods : Fast "Feel Good" Smoothie Recipe : Banana Berry Smoothie

Welcome to UK Raw Health.

I would love it if you would join me for a simple tasty smoothie, with "feel good" ingredients to boost your mood.

It's quick to make taking a total of about 5 minutes including the clean up.

In the blender/processor jug: 1 large ripe organic banana broken into pieces, 4 large organic strawberries, a few berries - I used black currants and raspberries picked fresh as these were growing in my garden, but I also like frozen organic berries. Berries are highly flavourful so only use a few otherwise the taste will dominate.

Blend and add as much liquid as you like to reach your preferred consistency. As you can see from the picture I did not blend up much as my smoothie is still a little textured this is because I only blend for 30 seconds or less so as not to introduce too much oxygen into the smoothie - oxygen oxidises and damages the living enzymes in plants. Go for your own preference, if you like a smoother consistency blend more!

I used rice milk to thin the fruit mixture, but I also like filtered water, coconut water, oat milk and raw almond milk. Taste with a small spoon, if the berries are too tarte add some Stevia or coconut sugar and blend. Pour the beautifully coloured smoothie into a glass, quickly clean up your blender, should take about 30 seconds, then enjoy your smoothie sipping slowly.

What ever recipe you choose for your smoothie, remember to create it with love and enjoy it in nature taking a few minutes from your busy day to breathe fresh air and let the sun hit your skin for a dose of Vitamin D. Wishing you peace and love... Mrs. Bee x

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Information on UK Raw Health is the opinion of the writer and/or other individuals mentioned. Information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or provide education. Statements have not been evaluated or approved by any regulatory bodies. Before making any changes to diet, regime and/or lifestyle consult your doctor.